Payroll Specialist

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations and selected HR activities for a long-term contract assignment based in San Diego, California. This role is ideal for someone who can work independently, manage complex multi-state payroll with a strong California focus, and partner closely with finance and HR teams to keep employee records, pay practices, and compliance activities on track. The position combines high-volume payroll administration with hands-on support for onboarding, benefits-related processes, and reporting in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:
• Administer end-to-end payroll processing on a biweekly schedule for a workforce of approximately 340 employees across multiple states, with primary emphasis on California payroll practices.
• Review employee pay data for accuracy, resolve payroll discrepancies, and complete off-cycle adjustments or corrections when needed.
• Reconcile payroll records, validate payroll-related liabilities, and prepare supporting documentation to ensure accurate reporting and balancing.
• Partner with the controller and other internal stakeholders to support payroll reviews, internal controls, and financial coordination tied to payroll activity.
• Generate reports and provide audit support for items such as annual 401(k) review requirements and other payroll-related compliance needs.
• Assist with HR administration by coordinating onboarding activities for new employees and maintaining employee data for both exempt and non-exempt populations.
• Provide support for digital benefits administration processes, including open enrollment activities and employee access-related coordination.
• Review timekeeping and expense information to help confirm complete and accurate payroll inputs before each processing cycle.
• Contribute to payroll and HR projects during the contract period, including process support related to system access or operational updates as needed.

Qualifications:

• 3-5+ years of experience managing full-cycle payroll in a high-volume environment.
• Proven background processing multi-state payroll, including strong working knowledge of California wage and hour requirements.
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now or a comparable payroll platform.
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritize deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-moving setting.
• Experience handling payroll reconciliations, payroll tax compliance, and payroll liability review.
• Familiarity with onboarding support, employee classifications, and general HR administrative processes.
• Strong Excel skills, including the use of VLOOKUPs and PivotTables for payroll analysis and reporting.

Compensation

$28.00-$35.00 Hourly

About Us

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.